Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short as Fayetteville Drops to Wilmington, 7-6
Published on June 17, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - It was shaping up to be a storybook ending for the Fayetteville SwampDogs.
After surrendering five runs in the top of the ninth inning to break a 2-2 tie, the SwampDogs had already scored four in the bottom of the ninth behind three hits and three walks. The Wilmington defense, one of the league's worst statistically, had been perfect all game but had finally surrendered an error, creating a small opening through which the âDogs were desperately trying to climb.
Bases loaded, two outs, and the league leader in on base percentage, Nick Crucet, at the plate for the SwampDogs. Wilmington summoned Jacob Mayers from third base as the third Sharks pitcher in the inning, and on a 3-2 pitch with the runners in motion, he caught Crucet looking on the inside corner to end the ballgame.
Just like that, a rockin' stadium had been reduced to a whisper.
Wilmington (8-9) used seven hits over the final two innings against the SwampDogs bullpen duo of Cory Kent and Mike Hebert (0-2) to earn their second victory of the season at J.P. Riddle Stadium. The loss drops Fayetteville (9-7) into a first place tie with Florence, who defeated Columbia 6-1 earlier on Friday.
Brandon Browne made the start for the SwampDogs, going seven strong innings and exiting with a 2-1 lead. He walked two and struck out four, allowing just the one run on five hits.
Chris Mazza lasted six innings before the Sharks before handing the ball to Zach Taylor (1-0). Taylor allowed a run in his two innings of work, but earned the win after his team's five run ninth held up.
Cody Davis led the SwampDogs offense with a 3-for-5 night, scoring a run and driving in two. Billy Urban also had a three-hit night before being lifted for a pinch runner in the eighth.
The SwampDogs travel to Columbia for a 7:05 p.m. game on Saturday, before returning home on Sunday to open a three-game homestand with the Florence RedWolves. It'll be Father's Day at J.P. Riddle Stadium, with the first 500 dads getting a special SwampDogs grilling guide. Gates open at 4 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m.
Coastal Plain League Stories from June 17, 2011
- Marlins Nearly Come Back, Lose 8-7 - Morehead City Marlins
- Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short as Fayetteville Drops to Wilmington, 7-6 - Fayetteville SwampDogs
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- Carter Leads Off List of 98 Coastal Plain League Alumni Selected in 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft - Coastal Plain
- Eric Norwood Throws First Pitch Tonight - Lexington County Blowfish
- Taylor Re-Signs With Wilmington Sharks - Wilmington Sharks
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